Introduction

Easter Poke Cake is a festive, colorful dessert that’s perfect for spring celebrations. With layers of vibrant cake, creamy white chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.

A slice of pastel-colored layered cake rests on a white plate, featuring four distinct layers: a bottom layer made of yellow, green, pink, and blue sponge cake arranged in a patchwork pattern; a smooth, creamy pale yellow middle layer; and a thick, fluffy white frosting on top. The frosting is decorated with bright green sprinkles and small pastel-colored candy pieces in pink, purple, and blue. Behind this slice, there is another similar cake piece on a white plate, a glass of milk, and Easter-themed decorations including pink and white checkered eggs and a wooden garland with green felt leaves and beige beads. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (eggs, water, oil)
2 (3.3 oz.) boxes instant white chocolate pudding
3 1/2 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (blue, green, pink, and yellow)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box.
Step 3: Divide the batter into 4 equal portions. Add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl and stir well.
Step 4: Using a spoon, drop small dollops of each colored batter into the bottom of the baking dish. Place drops of one color a few inches apart, then repeat with the next colors until the pan bottom is covered. Add another layer of drops on top until all the batter is used. Tap the dish gently on the counter to flatten the surface, but do not spread with a spatula to keep the colors distinct. Swirl gently with a toothpick, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the cake as directed on the box.
Step 6: After baking, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake about an inch apart. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 7: In a bowl, whisk together the instant white chocolate pudding and milk until the pudding dissolves. Pour the pudding over the cooled cake, filling all the holes completely. Spread any remaining pudding evenly on top. Refrigerate until the pudding is set.
Step 8: Once the pudding is set and the cake is fully cooled, prepare the whipped cream. Beat the chilled heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer.
Step 9: Garnish the cake with sprinkles before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without thinning the batter.
If you prefer, substitute the white chocolate pudding with vanilla pudding for a slightly different flavor.
Add mini chocolate chips or pastel candies on top for extra texture and decoration.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and non-dairy whipped topping alternatives.

Storage

Store the Easter Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for best texture. Avoid freezing as it may affect the pudding and whipped cream layers.

How to Serve

A square piece of layered cake sits in the center of a white plate on a round woven placemat. The cake has three visible layers from bottom to top: a yellow base layer, a pink middle layer, and a top white layer covered with white frosting. The frosting is sprinkled with bright green sprinkles and small pastel-colored candy dots in blue, purple, and pink. Near the plate, there is a clear glass of milk, two light blue checkered decorated eggs, and two light pink checkered decorated eggs. A wooden spoon pair is placed on the placemat to the left of the plate. In the background, a white cloth with a blue striped edge and a wooden bead and leaf garland are arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of box mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade white cake batter. Just be sure to divide and color the batter as directed for the poke cake effect.

Can this cake be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cake and pudding layers a day in advance. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.